Coach Mangurian on Carson:Big and strong. Can defeat blocker and still find ball carrier. Will have to play lower in college. Shows leverage, lateral range and the ability to accelerate off blockers to the ball. Plays the double team well, can hold the point. Disruptive as a pocket push pass rusher. Will make our ends better. Plays over the guard most of the time. Could play either defensive tackle position.

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Lexington High School in Lexington, S.C. ... Played for head coach Scott Earley … Undefeated regular season junior year … Ranked No. 1 team … Region champions … Eleven-Time Defensive Lineman of the Week … One hundred career tackles … 2012 Allan Whitacre Academic Award recipient … Also a three-year letterman in wrestling … 17-3 record as a senior … 2013 State Duals Champion.

INTENDED MAJOR: Biology

PERSONAL: Parents are Margaret and James Carson ... Has an older brother, Jimmy, who played football for Bucknell, and two sisters Maggie (21), and Grace (12).

FUN FACT: Hobbies include weightlifting, reading, playing board games and cooking.

WHY COLUMBIA? “Ivy League education, excellent coaching staff and the opportunity to play Division I football.”